Album Review: Jason Moon - 17

Occasionally, you come across indie highlights that deserve much more love. Sometimes, you really want to tell the world about this gem. This was one of the reasons I created 10/10 - Music (along with my friends and family yelling 'bug someone else for once!'. Just kidding, they are quite supportive). Thus, it is releases like Jason Moon's most recent album that get me writing instantly.

I learned of the album via the Gayo Music Festival pick, where we listened to a bazillion indie tracks. 95% suffered from terrible mixing, generic beats, and trendy moments. However, from Polancos' million bad tracks, I am glad I heard all of them, for I was revealed the lead single off Jason Moon's new album.

Moon made his debut earlier this year, with an honestly 'meh' release. However, it is clear from his three releases so far he is trying to build a conceptual discography, led by late-80s and early-90s elements with some city pop elements, with a whole lot of youthful yearning. With 17, he has finally succeeded, with all 4 tracks bringing something new to the table within the concept, despite the scandalously low amount of views, peaking at 488 (of which, I am like 15-20), and with one of the b-sides having 12 views (of which, I am like 5).

I'm Fine Thank You

Opening track I'm Fine Thank You is a smooth introduction to the track. The instrument is surprisingly authentic to the late-80s, with a snappy percussion loop supported by some brassy instrumentation. The song is perfect for a coffee house but manages to make the sound work. As the song goes on, more instrumental flourishes and loops come into the picture, without the song ever feeling overwhelming.

Instead, the song is surprisingly smooth and comfy, like a warm cup of hot chocolate in a rainy day. A large part of this appeal is Moon's strong vocals. He is a smooth and stable singer, one that can shame many idol singers with thousand-times more views. The song takes one on a calming journey, an accomplishment to say the least.

Rating: 8.75/10

I Can't Stop

Compared with I'm Fine Thank You's slow, melodic production, I Can't Stop is the latest song to borrow some melody and styling from A-Ha's timeless Take On Me. Interestingly, the song skips the iconic synth riff, instead opting for a fully melodic track.

The biggest strength from I'm Fine Thank You actually holds back I Can't Stop. Moon's smooth vocals certainly are different from Morten Harket's iconic baritone delivery. The other negative side of I Can't Stop would be that the track is indeed a bit repetitive. Nonetheless, the basic chorus is strong enough for this to be a plus for the EP.

Rating: 8.5/10

Just Like 17

With single Just Like 17, the EP finally scores its trump card. Youthful, nostalgic, and energic. These are the three words I'd use to describe this heartwarming anthem, one of the year's most instantly invigorating songs.

Once again, Moon's smooth, youthful, and hopeful vocals come as a major favor for the track. As the lead melody, the vocal lines are fantastic, with there always being an amazing transition from one line to another.

The production, more than any other track on the album, digs into the city pop roots. The saxophone is pristine, driving the song as an excellent counter-melody, while never opposing the main melody. Combine this with an absolute earworm of a melody, and you have a late-year highlight.

Rating: 9/10

Moonlight

With Moonlight, the EP concludes before you want it to. The album has so much more to explore, why does it end so soon? That said, Moonlight was clearly written as the conclusion of the album. Its more muted sound suggests a farewell.

It doesn't pop or engage the listener as much as the previous three tracks and does suffer in comparison to Just Like 17. Nonetheless, the melody is strong.

Rating: 8.25/10

Overall Rating: 8.63/10

Underrated tracks are a dime a dozen, it is finding them that is hard. Thanks to the Gayo Music Festival, I found the lead single for this album, and eventually the whole album. Just Like 17 deserves so much more praise, and so does the rest of the album. This level of consistency is not common. Please check out the songs here, and recommend them to your friends and family, this album deserves more love.  

Image Source: Jason Moon YouTube Music Channel